Unicorn Tang
Scientific Name: Naso unicornis
Reef Compatibility: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gal
Max Size: 27”
Food/Feeding: Herbivore
Notes: The species in the Naso genus, the unicornfish, are all known to be peaceful fish and the Bluespine Unicornfish or Unicorn Tang is one of the most mellow. Though it will constantly be on the move during the day, it will spend its time surveying the decor and munching on algae growths. It will be a little shy at first, but will adapt well to captivity if given it lots of room to roam around in and plenty of naturally growing algae. Once eating it can be offered a variety of algae based aquarium fare for its basic diet, along with some meaty foods.The Bluespine Unicornfish is one of the largest fish to be sold in the aquarium industry (over 2 feet in length) so only the largest tanks can house it. It has an amicable nature and will get along with most other marine fish. It can be kept with a variety of tank mates including other genus' of surgeonfish. However unless you have a huge (hundreds of gallons) system, it is best to house just one Naso tang to a tank.Like all surgeonfish and tangs, the Bluespine Unicornfish likes a lot of water turbulence rather than a placid aquarium. Being very active during the day they need a large tank with plenty of room to swim about but will also need rocks/ corals to provide some cover and to sleep in at night. As they are primarily herbivores they generally ignore invertebrates, but lush natural algae growth will be greatly appreciated. Once they get acclimated and become accustomed to aquarium foods they are quite hardy and long lived.